Highlights
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
oChef » Tin Hat – Seattle
Tin Hat - Seattle
Photo from Tin Hat
Tin Hat at a glance
Seattle Phinney Ridge
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 14 of the guests
#286 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#36 Bar & Pub out of 78 in Seattle
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
187
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Budget-friendly
- Varied menu
- Distinct atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Small menu
- Racism claim
The restaurant Tin Hat is a popular Bar & Pub located in Seattle’s vibrant Phinney Ridge neighborhood. You will find a welcoming spot where bar games are a highlight, ensuring a fun and engaging visit.
This casual and cozy establishment offers a great beer selection, perfect for unwinding after a long day with friends or family.
Overview: Introducting Tin Hat
Tin Hat offers a distinctive experience, often praised for its welcoming vibe and satisfying fare. Many appreciate the friendly interactions with the staff and the surprisingly good food, especially the daily specials.
It’s a spot where the relaxed atmosphere and unique decor contribute to a memorable visit. However, some patrons have noted occasional inconsistencies.
While the food generally hits the mark, there have been comments about a somewhat limited menu and slow service at times. Despite these minor points, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a casual outing.
Good
7.9
out of 10
187
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
18
negative
10
neutral
159
positive
Overall, Tin Hat garners a solid 7.9 out of 10, indicating a good dining experience, with customer satisfaction also strong at 85%. This positive reception is built on 159 favorable comments from guests, suggesting a generally well-regarded establishment.
The Value (8.6) stands out, with many finding the offerings quite affordable for the quality received. The Ambience (7.9) also contributes significantly to its appeal, creating a comfortable and unique setting.
While the Food (7.8) is consistently good, and the Service (7.6) is generally attentive, there are a few areas for improvement. These insights come from a total of 187 customer observations, including 18 less favorable remarks.
What people like
- Exceptional Value
- Diverse Food Options
- Unique, Chill Ambience
What people don't like
- Service Inconsistencies
- Limited Menu Options
- Serious Ambience Claim
With a solid 8.3 recommendation score, Tin Hat is generally a worthwhile stop if you appreciate a relaxed, unpretentious setting and good value. It’s particularly suited for those seeking affordable, satisfying meals and a friendly atmosphere for casual gatherings.
However, be mindful that service can sometimes be slow, and the food menu is not extensive. If you prioritize quick service or a vast selection, you might find it less appealing.
For a laid-back experience with budget-friendly options, it’s certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tin Hat
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, things are looking pretty tasty! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at a high 83.1%, it's clear most diners are leaving happy. Out of 77 comments, 64 rave about the delicious tacos, juicy burgers, and amazing tots, often highlighting the fantastic food specials.
However, not every bite is perfect. A smaller number of 7 comments mentioned some minor hiccups. Issues primarily revolved around a desire for more sauce options and some noted the menu could be a bit limited, though these were less frequent concerns.
Food
77
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
7
negative
6
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great tacos
- Delicious burgers
- Amazing tots
What people don't like
- Limited menu
- Fewer sauce options
Often praised
- foodIt's a dive bar, but the service was really good, and we were pleasantly surprised with the food! They have great daily food specials.
- drinksIt's been ages since my last visit, but this place absolutely holds true to how it's been. I experienced a great environment, great burgers, and great drinks – all the good (great?) things. I will hopefully continue to visit this gem for ages to come.
- tacosTaco Tuesday has really good tacos
- Taco TuesdaysTaco Tuesdays are busy
- Taco Tuesdaymy go-to spot every Tuesday for Taco Tuesday
- burgersIt's been ages since my last visit, but this place absolutely holds true to how it's been. I experienced a great environment, great burgers, and great drinks – all the good (great?) things. I will hopefully continue to visit this gem for ages to come.
- spaghettispaghetti that is amazingly good
- tater totsThe best tater tots I've ever had
- totsGet the tots
- $5 spaghetti$5 spaghetti that is amazingly good
Frequently criticized
- drinkI dislike soda water, especially with vodka, as it has no flavor. I've never experienced a server pouring a completely different drink without mentioning an ingredient shortage. He seemed frustrated that we didn't order more and that we expected him to bring drinks to the table.
- Vodka pineapplemy drink was vodka and something else
- menuOnly real downside is limited menu
- pineapplewe were out
- saucesnowhere near as many sauces available
- soda waterI really don’t like soda water
If you're looking for a spot with consistently good and affordable bar food, especially their tacos, burgers, and tots, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that the overall food menu is focused rather than extensive, and sauce variety might be limited.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the service here! Overall, its looking pretty good, with a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction hitting 79.4%. Based on 34 comments, with 27 positive remarks, folks really appreciate the friendly staff and attentive bartenders.
Many highlighted the fast service with drinks and great conversation, making for a pleasant experience. However, there are a few areas for improvement, noted in 7 negative comments. Some guests mentioned issues with staff not wearing mandated masks and concerns about staff drinking.
There were also instances of long waiting times, which can definitely put a damper on things.
Service
34
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast drink service
- Great conversation
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Mask compliance issues
- Staff drinking concerns
Often praised
- serviceIt's a dive bar, but the service was really good, and we were pleasantly surprised with the food! They have great daily food specials.
- staffThe staff here are always amazing, so friendly
- bartenderThe bartender was extremely friendly and attentive
- bartendersThe Flatliner is a must-try! They also have good drinks and the coolest bartenders!
- cookThe cook is always so busy doing their job!
- wait stafffriendly wait staff who truly know their regulars
- bartender CodyThe bartender Cody is absolutely fantastic.
- bartenders & cooksThe bartenders & cooks are so nice
- friendly staffsuper friendly staff
- friendly strangertalking to some friendly stranger
Frequently criticized
- cookthey don’t have a cook on Saturday nights
- employeethis is something that he needs to be trained on
- mandated masksStaff does not wear mandated masks
- serviceSlooooowwww seeerrrvviiceeee....
- staffStaff does not wear mandated masks and we were given looks and given remarks
- staff drinkingI found it to be the most racist bar in Seattle. Additionally, I strongly suspect that all the staff are drinking on the job. Wow!
- waiting timeWaited a while at the counter to order.... Gave up
If you're looking for a spot with generally friendly faces and quick drink service, this place seems like a good bet. Just be aware that some guests have noted issues with mask compliance and occasional slow service, so manage your expectations on those fronts.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot really shines with a 7.9 score and a fantastic 88.1% customer satisfaction! Out of 59 comments, 52 rave about the unique dive bar atmosphere, music, and decor. Patrons love the chill, old-school Seattle vibe, often calling it a fun, intimate setting with great conversations and good vibes.
However, not all experiences were stellar, with 3 negative remarks. Concerns were raised about limited space for larger groups and a very serious accusation of it being a racist bar with questionable customers. While few, these are significant points to consider.
Ambience
59
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
3
negative
4
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique dive bar
- Quirky decor
- Great music
What people don't like
- Racist bar claim
- Limited space
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's a top five favorite place to go with friends. The atmosphere is super chill and friendly, and the old VHS movies and kitsch decor make it truly unique. There's always a table available, perfect for playing games and passing an evening.
- decorthe decor and "dive bar" ambience is fantastic
- musicthe music is punk
- placePerfect place for friends and fun!
- dive barGreat dive bar - dark and moody
- divey barVery divey bar
- ambiencethe decor and "dive bar" ambience is fantastic
- boothsThe booths are comfy
- conversationshave great conversations.
- design additionsloving the new design additions to the bar
Frequently criticized
- customersthere were only two other customers
- racist barMy experience at this bar was extremely negative. I found it to be the most racist bar in Seattle. Additionally, I strongly suspect that all the staff are drinking on the job.
- spacenot a ton of space especially for groups larger than 2
If you're seeking a unique, chill, and divey atmosphere with good music and quirky decor, this place is definitely worth checking out for a fun time with friends. However, be aware of potential space limitations and a very serious, albeit rare, negative report that could be a major concern for some.
Value (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly delivers! With an impressive score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction soaring at 94.1%, it's clear guests are thrilled. Based on 16 positive remarks out of 17 total, diners rave about cheap eats, great deals, and fantastic specials like taco Tuesday, often highlighting the excellent price per portion and cheap drinks.
However, not every penny spent hits the mark. While overwhelmingly positive, one comment mentioned Price as a concern, specifically noting a small beer and a small vodka costing $20, suggesting some individual drink prices might be higher than expected.
Value
17
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great deals
- Cheap eats
- Affordable drinks
What people don't like
- High drink prices
Often praised
- pricesuper cheap for their quality and quantity
- $0.99 hard tacosunbeatable $0.99 hard tacos
- $5 spaghetti$5 spaghetti but it was delicious
- 69 cent tacosBest 69 cent tacos
- beer pricesbeer prices are just as reasonable
- burger and totsAfter a crumby experience at another restaurant, this place saved the night. The staff was super friendly, and I enjoyed a cheap but delicious burger and tots. Pinball and Uno were readily available, the drinks were good, and the atmosphere was fun.
- cheap drinksMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a place with cheap eats and cheap drinks. The servers and bartenders were great, and I really enjoyed the atmosphere.
- cheap eatsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a place with cheap eats and cheap drinks. The servers and bartenders were great, and I really enjoyed the atmosphere.
- deals on pitchersMy experience at this restaurant was that of a small dive bar. They offered great deals on pitchers and drinks. The bartender was extremely friendly and attentive.
- great deala great deal
Frequently criticized
- Pricea small beer and a small vodka, whatever drink was $20
If youre looking for fantastic deals on food and drinks, especially during their specials, this place is definitely worth checking out. Youll likely find delicious, affordable options that won't break the bank, though be mindful of individual drink prices.
How are the prices at Tin Hat?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 14 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While most folks spend in this sweet spot, we also see a good number of guests venturing into the $21–$30 range, suggesting there are options for a slightly more premium experience too.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 14 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub in Seattle stacks up against similar spots on value for money.
Considering it’s a Bar & Pub in Seattle, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a casual outing without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tin Hat
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Awesome Place with Great Food and Vibe!
I've been coming here for a long time, and this place totally rocks! The people are cool and friendly, and the atmosphere is great, with kooky stuff all over the place. The food is really good with a pleasant variety.
The Flatliner is a must-try! They also have good drinks and the coolest bartenders!
- people9
- atmosphere10
- food9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fantastic Place with Great People
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The humans that work there are fantastic, and the humans that go there are interesting. It's a great place overall.
- humans that work there10
- humans that go there9
- place9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Stout and Grilled Cheese!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I really liked the stout – it was light yet packed with flavor. The grilled cheese was unexpectedly fluffy and fresh.
It's a fun place to hang out!
- stout9
- grilled cheese9
- place9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Taco Tuesday Deal: 9 Tacos for $51!
I met a friend who was visiting from England, and we decided to go out for Taco Tuesday. The three of us ended up having 9 tacos, 6 beers, and a basket of water tots. The total bill was $51, which I thought was a hell of a deal!
- Taco Tuesday9
- water tots8
- hell of a deal10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Dive Bar Burgers and Friendly Staff
My experience at Tin Hat, a bar located on 65th street near Goodwill in Ballard/Greenwood, was a positive one. Parking is generally manageable on the street, though you might need to walk a block or two on busy nights or weekends. Inside, the atmosphere is decidedly divey, with dim lighting, pinball machines, and eclectic decor adorning the walls and ceilings.
The staff were consistently amazing, incredibly friendly, and always ready with a joke. They offer food from their kitchen, and while the menu isn't extensive, the food is very good, with their burgers being a particular standout. The price per portion is also great, making the Tin Hat burger a must-try.
It's a solid place for a drink with friends and one of the better establishments in the neighborhood.
- divey spot7
- staff10
- food8
What Tin Hat offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you find at Tin Hat Bar & Grill?
You will find a cozy and casual atmosphere at Tin Hat Bar & Grill. The offerings include food at the bar, a selection of hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails. You can also enjoy happy hour drinks and food, perfect for a relaxed visit.
What service options and accessibility features does Tin Hat Bar & Grill provide?
Tin Hat Bar & Grill provides outdoor seating and dine-in options with table service. You will find free street parking available for your convenience. The establishment also features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Tin Hat?
Tin Hat receives a good overall score of 7.9, with customer satisfaction at 85%. Guests particularly appreciate the Value (8.6) and Ambience (7.9), alongside good Food (7.8) and Service (7.6).
Are there any specific food items recommended at Tin Hat?
Customers frequently praise the daily food specials, especially the tacos on Taco Tuesday, and the burgers. The spaghetti and tater tots also receive positive mentions for their quality.
What are some potential drawbacks to visiting Tin Hat?
Some patrons have noted occasional slow service and a somewhat limited menu. There have also been isolated but serious concerns regarding the bar’s ambience, including a claim of racism.